LEGO WeDo Introduction
Module E
LEGO WeDo Introduction
• In this module you will learn about
– robotics in everyday use
– how you can use WeDo’s to facilitate positive
youth development.
– the WeDo kit and components,
– the WeDo Activity Pack (LEGO curriculum)
• Gain hands-on experience with a WeDo kit.
• Resources
Everyday Robots
Everyday Robots
• What is a robot?
Everyday Robots
• What is a robot?
• Definition of ROBOT per Merriam-Webster
Dictionary
– 1 : a machine that looks like a human being and
performs various complex acts (as walking or
talking) of a human being
– 2: a device that automatically performs
complicated often repetitive tasks
– 3: a mechanism guided by automatic controls
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/robot
Everyday Robots
1. What role do robots play in our daily lives?
2. What is a career field where people work with
robots?
3. What is your favorite fictional robot?
Everyday Robots
• Examples of Robots in Use
Everyday
– Military Robots
– Unmanned Vehicles: Aircraft for
Surveillance
– Industrial: Car Manufacturing
http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Market_For_
Military_Robots_By_2016_999.html
http://www.tirekick.com/TK07/VW-Puebla.htm
Everyday Robots
• Examples of Robots in Use
Everyday
– Space Exploration – Mars Rover
– Medical Robotics: da Vinci
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html
http://www.davincisurgery.com/davincisurgery/davinci-surgical-system/
Everyday Robots
• Examples of Robots in Use
Everyday
– Toys: Zhu Zhu Pets –
Robotic Hamster
– Household Robots:
Roomba Vacuum
http://www.zhu-zhu-pets.com/
http://store.irobot.com/produc
t/main_irbtEnhan.jsp?productId
=4447146
Everyday Robots
• Robots are a part of everyday life.
• Components of robotics such as sensors are in
many devices we use daily.
– Ex: motion sensors are used to open automatic
doors.
• Used by most people daily to offer
convenience and security.
Step 4: The WeDo Introduction
What is a WeDo?
• WeDo is a LEGO product that
allows elementary aged youth
to build robots using LEGO
pieces.
• Robots are connected to a
computer and programmed to
perform specific functions
using the WeDo software.
What Do WeDo Robots Look Like?
• Each individual kit has
plans for 12 different
LEGO robots.
• More building resources
are available through
LEGO.
Play Soccer
Amazing Mechanisms
Wild Animals
Adventure Stories
WeDo Programming Software
Great
introduction
to icon
programming
with friendly
step-by-step
directions on
the screen.
Task pallet
Step 5: The WeDo Kit, Building Guides
and the Alligator Build
Inside the WeDo Kit
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Inside the WeDo Kit
• LEGO Bricks
This image is a scan of the card board
insert provided in each kit.
Inside the WeDo Kit
• Each kit contains a
Mini Figure with
interchangeable
heads and hat/hair
• Three different
sized axles
• Various gears and
other components
This image is a scan of the card board
insert provided in each kit.
Inside the WeDo Kit
• Sensors
– Light Sensor
– Tilt Sensor
• Motor
• USB Hub
These images are a scan of the card
board insert provided in each kit.
The Building Guides
• Makes the construction
process straightforward
• Full color pictorial guide
• Similar to most LEGO
build kit instructions
• Very user friendly
The Building Guides
•
•
•
•
Amazing Mechanisms
Wild Animals
Play Soccer
Adventure Stories
Building the Alligator
Large white
number
indicating
each step
Identified
pieces use
to complete
step
Diagram of
completed
step
Building the Alligator
The Finished Alligator
The Check List
• Is the gear is facing the correct direction?
• Are rubber bands connected securely?
• Is the motion sensor lined correctly?
• Does the mouth open and close? Test Gear.
• Are sensors securely attached to the USB Hub?
• Are all LEGO bricks attached securely?
• Look over entire build and make sure it is
identical to the guide.
Step 6: The WeDo Activity Pack
• Curriculum
• Add-on Software
• Provides step-by-step onscreen instructions in building
and programming
• Classroom type activities and
handout materials are
provided for each build
Review the Activity Pack
• Page 80 – Objectives
• Page 81 – Animated Movie and Discussion
Questions
• Page 82 – Construct, overview of mechanisms
and process
• Page 83 – Basic Functions of software
• Page 84-86 – Lesson Plan
Step 7: Programming with the WeDo
Software
• Demonstration Video (add link)
• Alligator Build – stop animation movie
showing the alligator build itself
– Click on the link above to launch movie (note:
movie must be embedded on cd with ppt. to
launch.)
• Self Demonstration
• Continue to ….(add link to page in ppt)
WeDo Software Introduction
• Drag and drop icon based software
• Provides an intuitive and easy‐to‐use
programming environment
Desktop Icon
• Software automatically detects motors and
sensors when they are attached to the LEGO
USB Hub
• Includes a Getting Started Guide with simple
building tips and programming examples
WeDo Software Introduction
Icon Palette
WeDo Software Introduction
Getting Started
Guide and
Activities
Button
Getting Started Guide
• Each component
icon is clickable,
which leads to
further
instructions
The Alligator
Advance
Button
Advance
Button
On Screen Building Instructions
Start Programming
• Plug in robot by connecting the USB to the
computer
• Sensor icon should appear in upper left hand
corner (insert pict. Of sensor)
Experiment with the Programming
• Experiment with the program by adding
additional icons such as sound, backgrounds,
text or change the motor directions.
Programming Discussion
• What was a challenge you encountered while
building?
• Where there any challenges using the
software?
• Was this easier or harder than you thought it
would be? Explain.
Step 8: LEGO WeDo Resources
• Lego Education Resource for Teachers
– www.legoeducation.us/global.aspx
• Additional Activity Packs can be purchased to
add on to the four themed based builds
Additional Robotics Resources
• LEGO Education Resource for Teachers
– http://www.legoeducation.us/global.aspx
•
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST)
– www.usfirst.org
•
Jr. First LEGO League
– www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/jfll
•
First LEGO League
– www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/fll
• KISS Institute for Practical Robots: Robotics Laboratory: Wheels and
Navigation Activity
– www.kipr.org/curriculum/wheels_nav.html
•
STOMP Sample Units, Activity Database
– http://stompnetwork.org/stomp-resources
•
Carnegie Mellon University – Robotics Academy
– www.education.rec.ri.cmu.edu/roboticscurriculum/index_to_robotics.htm
Additional Robotics Resources
• Look for new contacts and volunteers to help
build your program.
• Older more experienced youth can make great
mentors.
Youth Development Adaptations
Consider the following skills that can be developed through
WeDo projects and the Activity Pack projects
• Youth are encouraged to use creativity, teamwork and
problem solving = life skills!
• Youth develop language and literacy through narrative and
journalistic writing, storytelling, explaining, interviewing and
interpreting
• Youth experience mathematics when measuring time and
distance; adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing,
estimating, and using variables.
Youth Development Adaptations
Consider the following skills that can be developed through
WeDo projects and the Activity Pack projects
• Youth experience science through working with simple
machines, gears, levers, pulleys; and experimenting with
transmission of motion
• Youth discover technology when programming; using software
media; and designing and creating a working model.
Youth Development Adaptations
• How could youth use WeDo robots to perform
service learning?
– (ex: providing a WeDo workshop for 4-H members)
• How could a club use WeDo kits as a fundraiser?
• How could a 4-H member use a WeDo kit in a
traditional 4-H activity, such as a county fair or
communications contest?
• How could a teen leader use WeDo kits to do an
activity with junior members?
Questions